Beach Bags

I knew I wanted to write about small laptops but I didn’t know how to go about it. So like the good writer that I am, I scanned the world wide web for some inspiration and let me tell you it didn’t disappoint because look at what I have here from Offbeatwanders.

Bellarocca, Marinduque, Philippines

Instantly I knew I wasn’t going to a place as beautiful as this lugging around a huge laptop, using space I’m sure I could squeeze in at least two maxi dresses and a pair of wedge flip flops in. But seriously, isn’t this the dream though? Having an exotic beach as your office, a day bed with canopy as your cubicle, and for your lunch break? How about a quick dip into the ocean?

And now for the key piece of equipment to complete your “office” set up, here are some suggestions on which of the available small laptops you should get to make all your dreams exotic-beach-as-office come true.

ASUS Eee PC

These small laptops from ASUS were the first mass-produced small laptops in the market with a tiny 7-inch screen and weighing in at just 2 pounds, these small laptops are ideal for travelling.

I use a first generation ASUS Eee PC that runs in Xandros Linux which is an Operating System that can be quite a drag because of the limited things you can with it. So for those with ASUS EEEPCs for small laptops, I suggest getting a new OS. Try EasyPeasy or Ubuntu Netbook, both of which I have already tried and will highly recommend to anyone.

But if you don’t want to go through the hassle of reinstalling a new OS for your small laptops, don’t worry, the newer models of ASUS Eee PC comes pre-installed with a Windows-based OS already.

HP Mini Netbook

These HP Minis are the cutest small laptops around. Only 1 inch thin and weighing in at only 3.1 pounds and a glass to glass screen it’s definitely great to bring when you’re traveling.

What’s good about these small laptops is that they have a 93% scale keyboard, which is a common critique about small laptops, so that it feels natural when you type using HP Minis. And isn’t just appropriate that it’s called island style keys? Because that is exactly where you’ll going to be typing with these small laptops?

And although the HP Mini is a sweet little thing, it’s capable of playing high definition content. So it’s going to be no problem enjoying movies while lounging at the beach.

Dell Mini Inspiron

A 10 inch screen and 250 GB hard drive. There’s nothing small about these small laptops from Dell. Although slightly bigger than the previous two laptops, it’s still smaller than your regular laptops.

Dell really designed their small laptops for life on the road with a battery life of more than 7 hours. You can finish all your office requirements and still have enough battery life for a few movies. This is very good news especially for backpackers who are usually on the go.

I have this whole conspiracy theory thing going on with car stickers. Call me crazy, but I’m a great believer that car stickers are the root cause of traffic jams. Because you can’t read all the indispensable words of wisdom printed on those car stickers if there are no traffic jams, right? So, what I think is that the manufacturers of these car stickers devise clever ways to create horrible traffic jams so that we could see the car stickers they make plastered on other vehicles. Now there’s something to think about.

Seriously though, car stickers are a form of identification. An odd little thing on your bumper that broadcasts to the world who you are with a few witty words, a logo or a very badly drawn cartoon. And for free spirits that roam the beaches of the world, here are some car stickers you may want to slap on your vehicle.

Surfing Impaired. Too old. Too fat. Don’t care.

Ah, the proud sand potato. Who would just bake (every pun intended) in the sun all day rather than, well, move.

Dog Beach. Ocean Beach, California… Because they can!

And quite frankly they should. But the reality of the situation is that most beaches in the United States are closing themselves up to our canine buddies. Not because they hate dogs or anything like that, but because there are a lot of irresponsible owners. So if you want an all-access beach, pick up after your pet. Keeping beaches poop-free, will keep it from being pet-free.

Wanna PLAY Me?

This rather provocatively suggestive message is tempered by the crappy cartoon it was paired with. Perfection.

I’d rather be at the beach!

All those in favor raise your surfboard.

Beach Babe.

Ladies, I know we’d all like to lay claim to this title. But the competition for this coveted beach bum title is fierce. So what do you do? Wear the skimpiest of bikinis, have your hair in a corn row like Bo Derek (if you’re not blonde, consider being one), get the most unique beach bags you could find, save the whales, pick up plastic bottles and plastic bags, surf, swim, pig out on beach grub, all while getting an even tan. Easy right?

Happiness is… a day at the beach!

Need I say anything more?

I LOVE SEA ANIMALS

And shouldn’t we all? Which is why we should always be conscious of how we dispose of things we bring into the beach such as plastic. Plastic is one of the top beach pollutants these days together with cigarette butts. And these could harm the animals who mistake it as food. Some of them can choke in plastic caps, or get tangled on floating plastic bags.

I am the Walrus!… and who are you?

Aside from being a very trippy The Beatles song, this is actually a very philosophically inclined car sticker. So the next time you go to the beach, try a few moments of introspection. After all the Walrus knows who he is, and so should you.

YES this journey is absolutely necessary.

You can take two routes with this car sticker message. One is the deep and profound route, in which you can say that this about self-discovery, about stepping out of your comfort zone, of challenging yourself. Second is the not so deep and profound route, in which it only means that you’ve grown so pale even Casper was scared of you and you need to go to the beach to get a tan.

One life. Live it.

Enough said.

I think that if there was ever any inkling of a doubt that slinging on a backpack and stuffing everything you own mindlessly into it means you’re going off on a great adventure, Dora the Explorer has already put to rest.

This tiny adventurer has taught us that all you need to see the world is your imagination, your open heart, and your trusty backpack. The former, I can’t really do anything about, that’s something you have to find for or from within yourself, but what I sure can help you is choosing the best backpack to match your wanderlust.

Tomo backpack from See by Chloe

This leather backpack is showing signs of adventure already, with its country of origin as Mauritius, which Wikipedia defines as “an island nation off the southeast coast of the African continent in the southwest Indian Ocean, about 900 kilometres (560 mi) east of Madagascar.” But to me, it can only mean one thing – fabulous beaches.

So pack all your beach accessories – wedge flip flops, organic shampoo, natural sunscreen – into this leather backpack made from soft calfskin, with cotton lining at buckle closure. I suggest getting it in red instead of black for a pop of color.

Studded MAB Backpack by Rebecca Minkoff

It doesn’t matter if you’re in a budget flight, always travel like a rockstar with this leather backpack from Rebecca Minkoff. It’s got custom silver hardware and hand-plated silver studs for that touch of rock and roll. Pair this leather backpack with some leather bracelets, gladiator sandals, Ray-Bans and attitude.

Fiorelli Hayworth Backpack Hobo Bag

Doesn’t it just scream safari? This leather backpack from Fiorelli Hayworth welcomes you to the fashion jungle. The flap-over design of this leather backpack is a throwback to vintage 1940s backpack, during a time when world exploration was gaining momentum. This leather backpack is a multi-strap bag which means you can also turn it into a shoulder bag. And based on design alone, this leather backpack makes you want to learn how to read a map and a compass.

Brown Leather Backpack – Travel by Grafea

What more can you ask from a leather backpack that is the epitome of your adventurous spirit? This leather backpack named Travel from Grafea is a medium sized calfskin leather backpack, that can go with you to the farthest regions of the earth. It has one front pocket, two side pockets and a large inside compartment that can fit all your essentials such as beach accessories, travel books, maps, and your camera.

Chloe Charlie Large Perforated Leather Backpack

Here’s another great leather backpack from Chloe. The Charlie Large Perforated Leather Backpack pays homage to the military style decoy bags with its design. It has a protective metal feet which allows it to keep its shape which is is balanced by the soft top with a drawstring closure. You can be ready for anything and you can go anywhere with this leather backpack just like a real fashion trooper.

Ah Rome. The land of amazing architecture, mythical Gods and Goddesses, and half-naked men fighting to the death. And now, Rome is back in the headlines with Italian luxury footwear brand Tod’s  – lead by Italy’s King of Shoes, Diego Dela Valle – at the helm of the restoration of one of its world famous landmarks, the Colosseum. An ambitious endeavor that reportedly costs €25 million.

I don’t know about you, but with this news, I just can’t help but go all Ancient Rome on a fashion trend that is returning to the spotlight. Enter the gladiator sandals. It was the reigning trend in footwear a few summers back and is now back in everyone’s fashion radar. But just like in the Colosseum where buff, testosterone warriors are pitted against each other, with the emperor deciding their fate, with just a thumbs up or thumbs down, we too shall determine the gladiator sandals’ fashion fate. Are you not entertained? Sorry, I just had to squeeze that one in there.

Thumbs Up: Long Live the Mighty Gladiator Sandals

Many a fashion warrior have worn gladiator sandals to up the ante in their outfits. Hollywood celebrities and trendmakers like the always fabulously disheveled Olsen Twins, Country superstar Taylor Swift and A-Lister Gwyneth Paltrow have been spotted rocking gladiator sandals whether in red carpet events or when they’re getting their lattes on downtown. These serious puppies have also graced the runways of fashion greats like Chanel and Alexander McQueen as modeled by supermodel Kate Moss. Cementing their status as one of fashion’s most coveted footwear.

Admittedly, gladiator sandals are a little tricky to wear and may not always go together with what you have in your closet. So here are a few tips on how to wear these showstoppers.

Bring on the attitude. Gladiator sandals are somewhat unconventional and like I said won’t necessarily go with everything that you have. So bring a lot of self-confidence with you when in a pair.

Keep your outfit simple. Gladiator sandals are drama, drama, drama. There are a lot of details happening in this sandals, especially if you have knee-high gladiator sandals like the one Chanel offers. So the trick is to keep your outfit and accessories to a minimum. Let the shoe do the talking for you.

If you’re wearing it with a dress, may I suggest an all black, body conscious ensemble with short helm and long sleeves. Perfect for a night out. And if you’re going to the beach and you want to still be all glammed up, trade your wedge flip flops for a pair of low gladiator sandals. Use it with a flowy or fringed white shirt, designer beach bags on your shoulders, a sterling silver charm bracelet or cape cod bracelet and oversized sunnies. Don’t forget your natural sunscreen too.

Thumbs Down: Feed the Gladiator Sandals to the Lions

Of course the gladiator sandals has its share of haters too. And after seeing the Nike Gladiateur 2 (Yes, there is a Nike Gladiateur 1), I can’t say I blame them. Priced at $80, this part shoe, part sandals is Nike’s offering for Spring 2011. According to their website, and I quote, “The design pays tribute to the very first marathon shoe, which chartered a new path in 776 B.C.”

Wouldn’t you just get a thumbs down from the emperor, get fed to the lions, than go a minute more wearing this?

Recently I saw a picture of celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe out loking fabulous in her trademark faux fur coats and dripping with vintage jewelry. I know nothing out of place in this picture, as this is just a normal look for the Zoe, except that the mom-to-be is walking around in towering stilletos.

In her reality show, The Rachel Zoe Project she’s been quoted as saying that she doesn’t own any flats. And true enough in a photo shoot with superstar and sexy cougar Demi Moore for Harper’s Bazaar, she walked down the beach on her high-heeled shoes.

If you can see yourself in Rachel Zoe’s shoes (Pun intended. Get it? Shoes, high-heels, in her shoes? Okay nevermind.) and just couldn’t let go of those high heels even at the beach, then wedge flip flops maybe the next best thing for your puppies.

Wedge flip flops are less casual cousin of regular flip flops (check out a list of cheap flip flops on a previous post). It gives you that height that you have with your high heels or wedge sandals but also the comfort that you get when wearing flip flops. Because of these qualities, most brides who have a beach wedding usually wears wedge flip flops under their wedding gowns.

But even if you’re not a blushing beach bride, you can still wear wedge flip flops to the beach and pair it with your favorite summer outfits. Here are some wedge flip flops you can step in into this summer.

Encanto “Miami” Rhinestone Detail Snake Print Leather Wedge Thong Sandals. That’s a mouthful. But so are the wonderful things you can say about this pair of wedge flip flops starting from the snake skin print that runs along the side and the rhinestone details on the straps. Can anyone say, Pimp My Wedge Flip Flops?

Bridesmaid Flip Flops – Chloe. Like I mentioned a while ago wedge flip flops are a hit at beach weddings, and this is the perfect example of that. The turquoise bow on the strap is a great accent and will surely draw attention to your toes. You can also customize the colors to fit your wedding motif or add crystals for some bling.

Wedge Eva Knot Flip Flop. Available in white and black, these wedge flip flops incorporate knots in its straps, creating a very nautical feeling. Pair with a maxi dress and floppy hat or a white wife beater tank top plus floor length skirts for that bohemian look at the beach. Don’t forget the oversized sunnies too.

Women’s Juicy Couture Grenada Wedge Rubber Flip Flops – Dusted Blu. With a heel measuring 4.5 inches, I’m sure you won’t be missing your stilettos anytime soon. Made from rubber it is made more comfortable with Slip on Padded insoles. Height + comfort = perfect combo. This pair of wedge flip flops would surely make high heel loving Rachel Zoe very proud.

Yet if a woman never lets herself go, how will she ever know how far she might have got? If she never takes off her high-heeled shoes, how will she ever know how far she could walk or how fast she could run?

Germaine Greer

I hate to be going from one quote to another, but when I read this I was reminded of what X Files star David Duchovny thought of high heels and tight clothes as a “subtle form of bondage” limiting a woman’s movement and utimately her freedom. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a shoe lover through and through, but what Germaine Greer and David Duchovny are saying rings true.

Putting on a shoe is like putting on a character. Slip on a pair of black pumps and you’re that chic office worker; put on thigh-high lace up boots and you’re Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman looking for her Richard Gere, to put it mildly; put on cowboy boots and you’re the unassuming Southern Belle; or put on 12-inch Alexander McQueen armadillo shoes and you’re crazy shoe lady.

I guess this is also why when we go home, when it’s time to be ourselves again (either that or you’re cramping all over from walking in 12-inch crazy shoes) we slip on a pair of flip flops. It’s the great leveler when it comes to footwear – literally and figuratively. Not everyone can wear a Jimmy Choo but everyone, and I mean everyone, wears flip flops. And since we’re on the topic of Jimmy Choo’s, not everyone can afford that either, so a piece of advice ladies, check out these selection of cheap flip flops and set your wallet and feet free.

Old Navy Women’s Classic Flip Flops. The name says it all, classic. Recently it was given a face lift by making the straps slimmer to achieve that sleek silhouette as well as made softer for a comfortable walk, that you wouldn’t even say they’re cheap flip flops. Available in fancy named colors like Twilight Tide (Blue), Laserbeam Pink (Pink), Fresh Bloom (A different shade of pink), and Bean Sprout (Green) which you can collect because these cheap flip flops are priced only at $3.50.

Havaianas Top. Okay, for $18.00 a pair that’s roughly four pairs of Old Navy Women’s Classic Flip Flops, but for flip flops that have been included in celebrities’ awards night swag bags like the MTV Movie Awards and the Academy Awards, the Havaianas Top are pretty cheap flip flops. My personal fave is Havaianas Top in Grey Atmosphere which would totally go with metallic-colored beach bags.

Ipanema Premium Celebration Striped Ladies Flip Flop. Endorsed by supermodel Gisele, who could resists these cute little charmers of cheap flip flops? Priced at 16.00 these Premium Celebration Striped Ladies Flip Flop by Ipanema has a unique translucent T-bar strap that not all flip flops have. Plus it’s anatomically designed sole (whatever that means) used 3D printing technology. Pretty fancy for cheap flip flops eh?

So today, slip out of those high heels and slip into carefree cheap flip flops and roam the beach like the free spirit that you are. So free your soul and sole.

In many cases, the popular saying ‘Ignorance is Bliss’ is best exercised in situations like your favorite chicken joint could be serving rats, that your newly bought lingerie may have bedbugs in them, that Snooki has come out with a novel, or that Santa isn’t real, but the 411 on sunscreen is not one of them.

Since the invention of swimsuits, sunscreen has long been regarded as the number one skin protection against the sun’s harmful rays by all sun worshipers and beach bums out there. On previous posts I’ve mentioned it as a quintessential among beach accessories even number one on The Beach Bum Manifesto. But now, new studies conducted and gathered by the Environmental Working Group has put a big question mark whether sunscreens are still a reliable ally against skin damage.

According to the Environmental Working Group, only 39 out of the 500 beach and sports sunscreens they have tested passed their rigid standards.The reasons are quite alarming, ranging from big bad businessmen exaggerating their SPF claims trying to make more money despite outright social neglect to startling scientific discoveries – ingredients in most sunscreen can actually speed up skin aging and double skin cancer risks – that could discredit the efficacy of sunscreen altogether. You can read the complete report here as posted in the Environmental Working Group’s site along with Sunscreens Exposed: 9 Surprising Truths.

If the EWG’s findings make you want to shun away from all sunscreens and switch to natural sunscreen instead, know that not all the EWG’s findings are all bad news. We’re not all doomed to spend the rest of our lives in fear of the sun because of a few sons of beaches. There are still sunscreens that passed the group’s tests in flying colors and you’d want to carry inside your beach bags at all times. Here’s the list of 21 of the 39 sunscreens that got the EWG’s seal of approval as compiled by The Daily Green.

And since we’re already on the topic of going green, how about giving natural sunscreen a chance? You won’t find any Oxybenzone or Retinyl Palmitate in any natural sunscreen, let me tell you that.

• On a previous post I’ve mentioned a recipe about a homemade natural sunscreen, now here’s another homemade natural sunscreen recipe you may want to try courtesy of scoochmaroo from Instructibles. You can find the detailed instructions with photos here. But for good measure, I’ll advise you check with your doctor or dermatologist first before trying out your homemade natural sunscreen on our skin.
• Not all natural sunscreen comes in a bottle. Sometimes natural sunscreen comes in the form of fashionable beach accessories like beach hats and cover ups. These two could be the most under appreciated of all beach accessories, not just in fashion value but as well as skin protection. Wearing beach hats are among The Skin Cancer Foundation’s recommended natural sunscreen along with slathering on those that actually do come in bottles (or tubes, or sprays, or tin cans for that matter). While there are clothing companies like Solartex, Solar Eclipse and Coolibar that offer sun protective clothing, which would probably be the fashionistas idea of a natural sunscreen.
• Another natural sunscreen is as unlikely as it is ingenious. Just stay out of the sun during the hours of 10 AM to 4PM when the sun is at its strongest. Consider going to the beach during the mornings to put this natural sunscreen to the test.

So now that you know more about natural sunscreen, it’s time to hit the beach, put on your natural sunscreen, dig your toes in the sand and forget forever that ‘Ignorance is Bliss’.

A manifesto simply put is your personality in writing. Think about it as your Facebook profile in actual paragraphs with proper grammar and punctuations. It’s a declaration of who you are and what you are about. To better explain this, let’s take a look at some of the more interesting manifestos floating in the World Wide Web that won’t bring you into a snooze fest.

There’s the Cluetrain Manifesto which basically states in many pages that multi-million dollar companies shouldn’t dare pull a fast one on consumers, because one angry 140-character Tweet about your service or product can shut you down. But not all businesses are bad people, there are some like The Peanut Butter Manifesto by Yahoo! Who wants to make their company better to serve their customers better. And I saved the best for last, the motherload of all manifestos, Lady Gaga‘s Manifesto of Little Monsters as found in Gagapedia.

So in saying all that, I’ve been inspired to write a manifesto for fellow sun worshipers which I will dub as The Beach Bum Manifesto.

I will never be too cool for sunscreen. Because for one Will Ferrell isn’t and being burned to a crisp is just plain uncool. There are a lot of sunscreens you can choose from in the market but make sure to get SPF 15+ or higher as recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation to include in your essential beach accessories. And for new age girls who like their sunscreen straight from Mother Nature, you can read about a simple homemade sunscreen recipe here with most of the stuff you already have in your home, well, okay maybe except for titanium oxide powder.

I will have a passion for hydration. And I just don’t mean plunging into the ocean like you’re Aquaman or trying out every imaginable water sports out there. What I also mean is to keep at least one or two reusable water bottles filled with H20 in your beach bags when you hit the beach. A good rule of thumb is to drink the recommended eight glasses of water a day when you’re just being a vegetable in a swimsuit and more if you’re going to do sports activities. Remember that it’s better to be sun stoked than it is to have a sunstroke.

I will dress impeccable even with the little to nothing I have on. This is not an overreaction. You may just be going to the beach to pig out on beach grub but no law says you can’t pig out on beach grub in style right? Start with a good, nay, great swimsuit as a blank canvas for your beach accessories. Choose one that complements your body’s shape. Also take into consideration what you’re actually going to do at the beach when picking out a swimsuit. Because you don’t want to be wearing no bandeau top when you’re going to go surfing honey. It’s just a Janet Jackson Superbowl incident waiting to happen.

Next are beach accessories to complete your look. There are of course jewelry, which doesn’t necessarily have to be made of Puca shells or coconut husks. For example instead of going bare feet, put on a pair of barefoot sandals made from Swarovski crystals or other beach accessories which you can read about in a previous post. And since we’re on the topic of beach accessories, let me just add that hats are one of the best beach accessories anyone could have even though hats are the most underrated of beach accessories.

Lastly, the fun doesn’t stop at the beach and so does your fabulous self. Include beach cover ups in your beach accessories to make sure that when it’s time to take the party on land you’re still runway-ready. Most popular are tie-dyed wraps but there are a lot of options now which you can check out here.

I will be a vigilant beach bum. You’re a sun worshiper and the beach is your place of worship. So don’t just sit on your bum, pun intended, and do nothing. Simple things like reusing water bottles instead of writing love letters and throwing it into the ocean because you saw it in a movie and think it’s romantic. Let me tell you there is nothing romantic about dolphins or sea turtles choking on plastic bottles. Or cleaning up after your pet (read up on Beach Accessories for Your Dogs here) can do a lot to keep the beach a sacred place for you and other beach bums.

I will always be a happy beach bum. So put your favorite beach music on, sling on your fashionable beach bags, put on your beach accessories and let the beach bummage begin.

Just recently Los Angeles county’s only beach dedicated to dogs have been renamed as Rosie’s Dog Beach, after an English Bulldog named Rosie who inspired the creation of this dog zone. In the three-acre beach, all dogs of shapes and sizes can frolic off-leash.

However, not all beaches can afford to have dogs running around the beach off-leash. In fact most beaches in the United States don’t allow dogs at all, and if ever they do they are only allowed in certain hours of the day and their owners must have them on a leash.

Photo by _tar0_

But this doesn’t mean that you can’t have a great time with your dog at the beach. Just follow the rules of the beach you’re heading to about dogs and bring the necessary beach accessories for your pets and you’re good to go. Below are some of the beach accessories you should have in your beach bags for a hassle-free day at the beach.

Leash. Most beaches require that owners have their dogs on a leash so as to prevent accidents with other beach-goers or with other dogs. There are a variety of dog leash you can add to your K9 beach accessories depending on what kind of dog you have. Below are some examples.

• Standard Leashes. Mostly made of leather or nylon, standard leashes are great fro everyday use. An ideal length for most dog leash are 6-feet.
• Retractable Leash. It comes with a mechanism that can hold up to more than 30-feet of leash which you can lock at a certain length r just let your dog wander around until he uses everything up. However when using this kind of leash make sure to keep your eyes on your dog at all times as the leash can get tangled and may cause accidents.
• Martingale Leash. Although mostly used by toy dogs, there are bigger versions for larger dogs. This is a leash and collar in one.

Poop bags. It may sound funny but this is probably the most important of all beach accessories for your dogs. This is because the reason why most beaches don’t allow pets in their premises is because their owners don’t clean up after them. So be a responsible pet owner and always bring poop bags with you whenever you’re at the beach with your dog. There are a lot of poop bags available in the market but the biodegradable kind can be the best option.

Toys. Sometimes playtime can be the best exercise for your dog, especially for city dogs who are mostly confined at extended periods of time inside their owner’s homes. So when at the beach be sure to bring some toys for your dogs like a tennis ball or a soft Frisbee. It’s a good chance for you to bond with your dog and maybe get some much needed exercise yourself.

Try this beach accessories kit made just for dogs called Man’s Best Friend by Beachstore.com. Inside you’ll find a towel, leash and collar, soft bowl (for treats), stuff sack, soft Frisbee, tennis ball, squeaky ball and doughnut.

If you think planning a wedding is hard, wait until you plan for a destination wedding – especially a beach destination wedding. Probably the most popular among destination weddings, beach weddings  dominate DestinationWeddings.com‘s list of the Top 10 Most Popular Destination Wedding sites wherein eight out of ten favorite wedding destinations are beaches.

But more than the grand location, a wedding is all about the details. From the bride and groom’s beach accessories, reception decorations and giveaways, here are some ideas to make your beach wedding one for the books.

During the Ceremony

• The Wedding Dress. Consider knee-length dresses or those that show off your feet. This will make it easier for you to walk on the sand without having to worry about dragging all that sand with you to the altar. As for styles go for light and flirty such as gowns with sheer overlays and sophisticated beading.

Having a simple gown means you can go wild with your beach accessories. You can have your florist create a dainty crown of flowers to attach your veil on or wear as is. Or go put on vintage jewelry that match your wedding motif.

• Dressing Up the Groom. First things first, let go of that suit. If you’re going to have a beach wedding wear clothes made from light fabrics such as linen or cotton. Most grooms tend to wear white or light colored long sleeved polo shirts, rolled sleeves of course, paired with linen drawstring pants or khaki.

Same as with the bride, go crazy with beach accessories too. Why not put on a beaded necklace or some soft leather bracelets to spruce up your outfit? Or accessorize your shirt with a boutonniere that matches the bride’s bouquet.

• Walking down the aisle. Most couples go barefoot when they take their walk down the beach and to the altar, but you can be unique by putting on barefoot sandals. These beach accessories are a hot item these days among beach weddings because they can add style to any wedding.

The bride and groom can wear a his and her pair decked in Swarovski crystals for some major feet bling. While their entourage can wear a simpler version sporting the wedding’s colors.

At the Reception

• Work of Art. Give your guests something to talk about even years after the wedding by having a sand sculpture at your reception site. It could be a monogram of your initials or something that has a special meaning to you as a couple.

Guests can take their souvenir photos with your sand sculpture centerpiece or use it as the background where they can tape their video messages. Just be careful about playful kids thinking it’s a sandbox and diving in.

• Henna Tattoo Bar. When Madonna made it popular way back when, it was just for decorative purposes for the fashionable set, but henna is originally used in olden times as a form of celebration for life’s milestones such as bearing a child and of course weddings.

First make sure that you’re guests do a skin test first before getting a henna tattoo. You don’t want your guests getting rashes or allergies now do you? This could be one of the most unique beach accessories in any wedding.